I have a used saddle to sell and plan to sell it locally. I want the buyer to bring their horse try the saddle when I am present. I don’t want to deal with shipping and potential return issues. I have a port lewis impression pad that they can use during try out to help assess saddle fit. This is an all purpose english saddle that I would market primarily to trail riders because I feel that is the saddle’s best use. Though it is OK for flat and possible lower level jumping. My nick-name for the saddle is “The barcalounger” because the seat is so comfortable it also has big knee rolls that keep the rider secure on challenging trails- probably of more interest to beginner intermediate riders. I mostly ride in a jumping saddle and was using this one for dressage. However, I haven’t needed it since I bought a dressage saddle. Wondering if there is any Percent of new I should go by in pricing it. It is in good used condition. Moderaters since I am selling locally I am hoping that this would not be construed as an advertisement. Correct me if I am wrong.
I usually expect a second hand saddle to be 50 per cent of retail, and considerably less if its older.
The thing is, a semi custom high end saddle loses a lot of its value second hand because that value lies in getting it made to fit you and your horse. I couldn’t see for instance paying $4000 for someone’s second hand semi custom if it was orginally $5000, even if it was as-new, because it wouldn’t cost proportionately that much more to get one made for me.
I am a huge buyer of second hand gear locally but would be less likely to trailer somewhere to try a saddle. And I have my own truck and trailer. None of my friends do. None of them would pay over $150 to have a commercial shipper take them to a fitting.
Usual practice is to go on trial with a deposit.
Usual practice is to go on trial with a deposit.
I would have the deposit at 100% of the price in Cash, only refundable if returned within a few days (time period fully stated) and in very same condition as it left
We have bought some used tack, always paid fully before leaving with it.
As for selling … well have not sold any as its market value is so little that just keeping it far outweighs any return
My suggestion is to either offer trial with payment in full (to be returned if the saddle doesn’t fit), or price it low enough someone would take a gamble on it fitting. If a saddle ad only allows for shipping in to trial it…. well, that’s enough for most buyers to walk away IMO. Especially for a saddle that to me sounds like it’ll be at a lower price point anyways by your description.
Are you wanting potential buyers to come to your barn/house to try the saddle? Just a bit of warning that liability should something happen be in the back of your mind, especially since their horse would be at a strange place with new sounds etc. or if you board is your BO/BM is okay with someone hauling in? It might be better for you to take the saddle to them, if you feel uncomfortable take a friend with you. I don’t know how many riders would be okay with one ride as a trial.
That said, 50% of initial cost plus or minus depending on condition; however, brand also plays into this. If the saddle is not a popular brand then you might not get as much for it. If its a general purpose saddle then perhaps less value.
Your price will depend on the age, condition, and brand of the saddle. Some brands hold their value better or will sell for more if they are currently trendy/popular. If it’s a no-name or something nobody has ever heard of, it probably won’t sell for much. It if’s a super niche brand, it may be hard to get rid of. Look around online at what is being asked for the same or similar models in used condition. You need to find that delicate balance of a low enough price to sell easily but still leaving yourself some room to negotiate on the price.
I think you’ll have a hard time getting people to trailer their horse out to try a saddle. Either sell with a trial with full payment as deposit, meet them where the horse is locally, or sell it with a clear no return policy and the buyer can resell it if it doesn’t work out for them.
There are too many factors to give a rule of thumb. I’ve periodically advertised a spare saddle locally at a price a little lower than what I see the same saddle listed for in eBay and have gotten zero nibbles. It seems here that almost everyone rides in a Custom so it’s really hard to sell most other brands.
The specific brand is also really important - see the recent thread on Hulsebos. Also, older saddles are almost impossible to move lately, so if you have an older AP saddle of an “off” brand, it will likely need to be priced quite low to interest the more casual rider or young rider who doesn’t have much to spend.
Thanks everyone for your input. Any one interested in buying the saddle would likely not be driving more than 10 miles. I would consider taking full price for the saddle and letting them take it on a trial. Or taking saddle to them to try at their place. The saddle is a Barnsby Omega. Possible buyer may also have a horse at local boarding facility which is 6 miles away. I’ll clean and condition the leather before I offer it for sale.
I recently purchased a saddle from someone who lives within 20 miles from me. She saw OTOB that I was having some saddle fit issues with one of my young horses. She contacted me because she is selling all of her tack (retiring) and one of the saddle she had was purchased from me about 7 years ago. I went and looked at the saddle. I already new it fit me and it was in the same condition I had sold it to her in (well cared for since). I left her a check for the full amount, taking the saddle to try on my beast at home. We agreed that I could have one week to decide if it was going to work. I called her after I was satisfied that the saddle would do (at least until my mini monster grows more/fills out). She cashed the check after my call. I’ve done this on multiple occasions in the past especially when dealing with local horse people - whether I kept the saddle or returned it this has always worked well for both parties.
Im not sure about a check. I think cash would be safer- so long as its not counterfeit!
No checks unless it’s a person you absolutely know and trust. Just because you have their check doesn’t mean the money is actually in the account. The check could be rubber, it could be fake, the account could be closed, or they could stop payment.
All points made about a check are true. Fortunately for me it doesn’t take long to check into my local reputation. I had sold the saddle to the individual I purchased it back from and she’s been acquainted with me for several years. For those with the ability I’ve had them charge but not process my credit card until the trial was over and haven’t had an issue with that either. I’ve also put money in Paypal accounts with similar caveats (done it both ways as I’ve sold a lot of tack online).
Used saddle market is a lot different than it was even a handful of years ago.
I have one nice brand, older saddle and one mid range older saddle (both well cared for and in good shape). Both are marked way below “market” value and I’m still having problems moving them.
I am OK with free trials if I know the person or know someone who will vouch for them. Otherwise I take at least half payment for a trial (could of course end up poorly).
I would never think to trailer to someone’s barn to try a saddle. If I’m that local, it would be much easier to take the saddle to my horse than my horse to the saddle.
Good luck!
I think this would be much easier for a potential buyer than having to bring the horse. As long as you specify that a return is not possible if they damage the saddle while in their possession.
@mukluk you may have someone come from much farther. I sold a Wintec wide AP english saddle on CL where the guy came from 2 hours away. I was shocked.
Cash is always preferred.
